Gov. AbdulRazaq rewards Kwara United players with N5m, land for winning Federation Cup

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Monday hosted players and officials of Kwara United Football Club and their U-19 side to a reception in honour of their recent achievements in domestic football.

Kwara United recently clinched the 2025 President Federation Cup title after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout win over second-division outfit Abakaliki FC, while the youth team emerged champions of the maiden National Youth League.

The celebration, held at the Banquet Hall in Ilorin, followed a victory parade through the state capital, drawing excited residents who lined the streets to cheer the champions.

In recognition of their feat, Governor AbdulRazaq announced a reward of ₦5 million and a plot of land in the Kwara Smart City for each member of the senior team. He lauded the players and coaching crew for their dedication and for bringing pride to the state.

“This is the most prestigious football trophy in Nigeria today — even older than the league competition itself. To have it here in Kwara is a moment of great pride,” the governor stated.

He reflected on the journey since assuming office in 2019, recalling the dire condition of the club at the time. “When we came in, the team was struggling and salaries were owed. But today, the story has changed,” he said.

Governor AbdulRazaq dedicated the trophy to the memory of the late football benefactor, Alhaji Yusuf Salami, who he said spent his personal resources trying to bring the title to Kwara, but never succeeded. “May Allah grant him Aljannah Firdaus,” he prayed.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Chairperson of the House Committee on Sports, Rukayat Shittu; member representing Shawo/Essa, Yusuf Abdulwaheed Gbenga; Deputy Chief of Staff, Princess Olubukola Babalola; Chairman of the State Sports Commission, Coach Bola Magaji; and Chairman of Kwara United FC, Kumbi Titiloye.

Also in attendance were Kwara FA Chairman, Malam Abdullahi Musa Thuraya, Head Coach Tunde Sanni, APC stalwart Alhaji Yahya Seriki, cabinet members, and other key sports stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, Coach Magaji and Chairman Titiloye thanked Governor AbdulRazaq for his unwavering support and investments in the growth of the team, which they said had been instrumental in their recent successes.